COVID-19 Stay-At-Home Order: What It Means For Charlotte Real Estate

Real Estate Brokerage Not Considered Essential Service In Charlotte-Mecklenburg During Stay-At-Home Order

As I wrote yesterday, Mecklenburg County, which includes the municipalites of Charlotte, Pineville, Matthews, Mint Hill, Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson, issued a “Stay-at-Home” order beginning tomorrow, Thursday, March 26 at 8:00 AM. This order will remain in effect for three weeks until April 16th, although it can be revised or repealed at any time.

NCRealtors® have provided the following information as to the impact of the "Stay-at-Home" order on Realtors® in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Namely:

• Certain real estate-related businesses were designated as “essential services.” These include banks, lenders, appraisers, attorneys and title companies. The order does not include any explicit references to the many activities included in the closing process, including but not limited to home inspections, walk-through inspections, and in-person closings.  
  
  
• Real estate brokerage was NOT included as an essential business or service in yesterdays "Stay-at-Home" order. 
  
  
• The Governor’s executive order requires Registers of Deeds to continue operations, which means that closing activities can continue at the discretion of an Attorney’s office (whether in person or remotely).
  
  
• Specific critical trades will be allowed to continue to work, including building and construction, plumbers, electricians, exterminators, cleaning and janitorial staff, HVAC, painting, moving and relocation services and other service providers who provide services necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences and businesses. This should help property managers continue operations.
  
  
• Beginning Thursday morning, March 26th, travel wil be restricted for all non-essential activities. This means that Realtors® may not conduct most business activities outside of their homes within Mecklenburg County. While this does not mean real estate brokerage must cease in totality, normal business activities including in-person home showings and open houses are prohibited and can be performed only remotely from home.
  
  
• All North Carolina Real Estate Schools/Course Sponsors must cease/cancel all in-person classes until April 30th. The North Carolina Real Estate Commission has approved an extension of time to complete postlicensing and continuing education courses, as well as the 12-hour Broker-In-Charge course. For more details on licensing issues, click here.

Real estate related activities that can continue, under the current Mecklenburg County “Stay-at-Home” order:

1. New construction building
2. Home inspections 
3. Home appraisals
4. In-person closings
5. Deed recordation
   
   

Meantime, as we all grapple with maintaining our safety during this pandemic, here's a video providing great information about how to ensure a greater level of food safety. It's really worth the time to watch.